SUPA Forensics - Unit 1 & 2

Song Ci (1186 - 1249)

Wrote the first book on forensics and legal medicine

Edmond Locard (1877-1966)

Created locard’s exchange principle

Sir Francis Galton (1822-1911)

Conducted the first definitive study of fingerprints and developed a classification system that proved their uniqueness

Alphonse Bertillon (1853 - 1914)

Developed an early system of physical body measurements used for criminal identification

Calvin Goddard (1891 - 1955)

Refined the use of comparison microscope to match bullets and shell casting to specific firearms

Albert Osborn (1858 - 1946)

Wrote ‘Questioned Documents’ which established the fundamental principles of document examination in court

Sir Alec Jeffreys (1984)

Developed the first DNA profiling test in 1984

Hans Gross (1847 - 1915)

Wrote ‘Criminal Investigation’ which applied scientific methods like physics, chemistry, and zoology to criminal investigations

Arthur Conan Doyle (1859 - 1930)

Created Sherlock Holmes

Mathieu Orfila (1787 - 1853)

Known as father of modern toxicology, published first scientific treatise on detection of poisons and their effects on animals

Frye v. United States (1923)

Established the general acceptance test as the standard for determining the admissibility of scientific evidence and expert testimony in court

Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals (1993)

Replaced the Frye standard, giving the judge the role to determine if scientific techniques are reliable and scientifically valid

Kumho Tire Co. v. Carmichael (1999)

Extended the judge’s role beyond scientific testimony to all expert testimony

Melendez - Diaz v. Massachusetts (2009)

Ruled that under the 6th amendment confrontation clause, forensic analysts must be available to testify in court if the prosecution wants to use their lab reports as evidence

Brady v. Maryland (1963)

Established that the prosecution must turn over all exculpatory evidence. (evidence that could be used to prove innocence of defense)

Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

Led to the requirement that law enforcement must inform suspects of their constitutional rights

Andrews v State of Florida (1988)

Marked the first time DNA evidence was successfully used to secure a criminal conviction is a US court

State v Winfrey (2010)

Involved use of scent dogs. Clarified legal standards for vehicle searches and k-9 probable cause under 4th amendment